Pollinator Project

What is a pollinator?

When you think of a pollinator, the image of a honeybee likely pops into your head. However, pollinators encompass a wide range of species, including native bees, butterflies, moths, and hummingbirds. When they go to feed on a flower's nectar, pollinators pick up pollen in the process. As they move from one plant to another, the pollen is deposited and the flower can reproduce. Without pollinators, a number of these plants do not have a mechanism to pollinate themselves or receive this pollen otherwise. A number of plants that require pollinators are ones we need to survive. Nearly 75% of all crops require pollination via pollinators.

Why are they in danger?

Over the past few decades, pollinators have been declining for a variety of reasons. Pesticides such as neonicotinoids, loss of habitat through human development, and fluctuations in environments due to climate change have affected their ability to feed and live in particularly areas.

How can you help?

Join our Pollinator Project! Through this program, we will provide a variety of pollinator plants that are specifically beneficial to pollinators through the nutrients or habitat they provide for the pollinator or their larvae. All of the plants are perennial and self-propagating, ensuring they continued existence in the landscape. Once the plants have reached maturity we will host swap events and have the plants donated to schools for pollinator gardens and other sustainable landscaping projects.

This will guarantee that pollinators have the resources they need to be able to pollinate gardens, crops, and wild plants throughout the Durham area and, if they migrate, that they can make the journey to their destination.

Interested?

Sign up using the form below.

Name *

Name

First Name

Last Name

Email Address *

Thank you!

Subscribe

Sign up with your email to learn more about how you can help keep Durham beautiful!